Garage door broken: can I claim on my insurance?

indiegirl_2

My garage door's been broken as a result of someone trying to open it whilst locked. I got out to it this morning to see the door ajar but nothing was taken (there was nothing in there).When I tried to shut it, the handle and its mechanism has been damaged so I can't turn the handle. Managed to unlock the door and close it but even I can't open it now!
I'm wondering if I can claim on my house insurance; but do I need to report it to the police even though there was no damage done, and nothing taken??

mymatebob

Similar thing happened to me.
I did report it to the police even though no-one had actually managed to access the garage.
I claimed on my house insurance policy, no problem at all

lisyloo

I'm wondering if I can claim on my house insurance

Yes, but be careful to compare the cost of repairs with excess and increased premiums.

but do I need to report it to the police even though there was no damage done

Your insurance will probably want an "incident number" from the police.
There was damage done - to the garage door.

I would first try to find out whether you can fix it DIY or what it will cost to get someone round to do it.
Your premiums will rise if you claim and there will be an excess so you have to compare the costs of the various routes before deciding to call your insurer (note that some people have been penalised for even asking a question about claiming on the phone so do this totally independently of your insurer).
It may be something that a competant DIYer can do.

indiegirl_2

Thanks for your responses (thanks button not working for me, will add thanks later). It amazes me how difficult (for that read 'expensive' an insurance claim can be these days and it seems that people are more and more reluctant to claim.I was (in true MSE style) going to attempt a DIY repair, but the garage door is on its last legs anyway, and wondered if I could use this incident to replace the item in question. I hope a DIY job will be suffice....

Antispam

Might be wise to get a decent garage lock one that fits in the ground too

mymatebob

indiegirl wrote: »

Thanks for your responses (thanks button not working for me, will add thanks later). It amazes me how difficult (for that read 'expensive' an insurance claim can be these days and it seems that people are more and more reluctant to claim.I was (in true MSE style) going to attempt a DIY repair, but the garage door is on its last legs anyway, and wondered if I could use this incident to replace the item in question. I hope a DIY job will be suffice....

There was no way I could do a DIY job on mine - double metal door buckled and bent beyond repair so it was a replacement job.
Insurance paid up no problem, no excess to pay and no mad increase in premium.

As it cost nearly £1500 pounds 10 years ago I was very happy to let them sort it!